The world of entertainment is in mourning. Stéphane Ricordel, co-director of the Théâtre du Rond-Point in Paris, has died at the age of 62, following a neurodegenerative disease. A renowned figure in contemporary circus and theatre, he leaves behind a legacy marked by artistic innovation and a champion of live performance.
A life devoted to the performing arts
A trained trapeze artist, Stéphane Ricordel established himself as a pioneer of contemporary circus by co-founding the company Les Arts Sauts, renowned for its aerial shows that toured the world. Over the years, he expanded his activities to include directing, artistic direction, and the management of major cultural institutions. With Laurence de Magalhaes, he directed the Théâtre Silvia Monfort and then the Paris l'Été festival, before taking the helm of the Théâtre du Rond-Point in January 2023. The duo succeeded Jean-Michel Ribes with the aim of further opening this Parisian stage to all forms of contemporary creation.
A director who wanted to break down the barriers between disciplines
Since his arrival at the Théâtre du Rond-Point, Stéphane Ricordel championed a program blending theater, circus, dance, music, visual arts, and performance. His ambition was to make the venue a space for encounters between artistic disciplines, while also giving ample platform to contemporary writers and artists. He was still working on several projects for the 2026-2027 season, including some original creations developed with visual artist Fabien Chalon.
A disappearance that affects the world of culture
The passing of Stéphane Ricordel has caused a profound sense of loss in the French cultural landscape. Artists, directors, companies, and institutional leaders are paying tribute to the memory of a passionate creator whose commitment helped to revitalize contemporary circus and support numerous generations of artists.
